Thursday, October 2, 2008

In the mountains of Lesotho...

How many kingdoms are left in this world? Can't be too many, but I happen to be in one just now. Went pony trekking in the mountains. Shepherds hang out with sheep and cattle on steep, lonely hillsides wearing traditional blankets draped over one shoulder with staffs clasped in one hand and small plastic containers of snuff in the other. Tobacco and other smokable vegetation are quite popular.

It was so nice to climb onto a minibus as soon as I arrived in this country and feel, for just a brief moment, that I was back at home in Zambia. The people are friendly and sing and drum on the bus (when inspired) just like in Zambia. I just so happened to be in this little mountain village for an annual ceremony that initiates boys into manhood (boys are circumcised at 18 here!). I got to dance with the mamas, watch the men slaughter a bull, turn my nose up to locally brewed beer, and watch the young one's cause ruckus all night. I was with a random Englishman for the trek who walked around with a stunned look on his face. We stayed up late into the night in our little hut discussing the world and theology and finished the evening with a game of "3 Truths and a Lie." This was amusing and he was shocked to discover that being a "Presbyterian Minister" was not a lie I made up for the game.



As always, I tried to upload a video and the net would have none of it. It's not even a big file! Lame, lame, lame. Someday you'll be amused by some short videos, but until then, some pics will have to do...

5 comments:

Peg said...

So beautiful Carmen - lovely, lovely pictures and stories.

Anonymous said...

beautiful, beautiful, beautiful...was the englishman beautiful too?

thinking of you a lot lately...

Anonymous said...

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/3/43222/8057/718/618653

here's something you might enjoy... ;)

Emily said...

beutiful, beautiful, beautiful (is what I was going to say!) Carms- good to see where you are! Sorry I haven't responded to your emails! I've been lame lame lame, and busy busy busy- enough of the triads!
Love you,
Em

Cheryl Smith said...

You hide your Presbyterian ministerage so well! :) Bob and Adrian smoked Jenny and I all five games of Sequence last night. I had to call them both buckets. Miss you terribly but glad you are enjoying your travels!